Hepatitis A (HAV) is a highly contagious liver infection that can spread easily through close personal contact, certain sexual activities, or contaminated food and drink. Because the virus can survive outside the body for months, anyone can be at risk, especially those with frequent travel, dining out, or intimate contact.
This blood test panel is used to identify if an individual is immune to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) by detecting the presence of both IgM and IgG (Total) antibodies, specific to HAV.
What’s In This Test:
Immunity tests measure specific antibodies in the blood to determine how the body responds to different viruses. Because the immune system creates unique antibodies for each threat, the antibodies that protect against hepatitis A are different from those that protect against hepatitis B or other infections.
This hepatitis A immunity panel measures two key antibodies:
• Immunoglobulin M (IgM): The first antibody the body produces when fighting a new hepatitis A infection. • Total Antibody (HAV Ab) / Immunoglobulin G (IgG): A long-lasting antibody that indicates immunity from past infection or vaccination.
Together, these two tests show whether someone has a current or recent hepatitis A infection and whether they are immune due to previous infection or vaccination. By detecting both IgM and total antibodies, this panel provides a complete picture of an individual’s hepatitis A status.
Why This Test Matters:
These tests matter because they give a complete picture of your body’s relationship with the hepatitis A virus, whether you’re currently fighting an infection or already protected.
The IgM antibody reveals if your body is responding to a new or active infection, helping you take timely action to protect your health and prevent spreading the virus to others.
The total antibody (IgG) shows whether you have long-term immunity from past infection or vaccination.
Together, these tests provide clarity, guide next steps for care, and help you understand whether you are vulnerable, actively infected, or safely immune.
How Hepatitis A Spreads:
Hepatitis A is considered a sexually transmitted infection because it can be passed during oral-anal contact. It can also spread through:
Contaminated food or beverages
Close contact with an infected person
Contact with microscopic stool traces on hands or surfaces
Blood exposure
Because the virus is so resilient and easily transmitted, knowing your status provides peace of mind and helps prevent further spread.
What Your Results May Indicate:
The test may indicate the following:
Positive IgM results indicate that the antibody was found in your blood, meaning you may have an acute or recent HAV infection.
Negative IgM results indicate the antibody was not found in your blood, meaning there is no active infection.
Positive AB/IgG results indicate that the antibody was found in your blood, which means that you have been exposed to the virus in the past and have either developed immunity to HAV or have been vaccinated for it.
Negative AB/IgG results indicate that the antibody was not found in your blood, meaning that you have not had a past HAV infection nor have been vaccinated or immunized to the virus.
Once your body has come into contact with the hepatitis A virus (either by having the disease or the vaccine), you develop the IgG class of antibodies, providing you with immunity for the rest of your life. If you have these antibodies, it means that you are immune and can not get the hepatitis A infection again.
If your test results indicate that IgM antibodies were found, that means you have a current acute hepatitis A infection, and therefore were not previously made immune to the virus.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
While anyone can be infected, risk increases with certain behaviours or exposures.
Higher Risk for Hepatitis A
Close contact with someone infected
Travel to countries where hepatitis A is common
Men who have sex with men
Drug use (injection or non-injection)
Certain clotting disorders
Occupational exposure to nonhuman primates
Who Should Consider This Test?
You may want to get tested if you believe you’ve been exposed to hepatitis, even if you feel completely well.
Testing is also recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms such as:
FeverNausea or vomitingAbdominal discomfortFatigueDiarrheaJaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)Loss of appetitePale or clay-colored stoolJoint pain
You may also consider this test if you want to confirm immunity status.
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